How to Fix DHCP Lookup Failed Error in Chromebook

Do you get the DHCP lookup failed error in Chromebook when you are attempting to connect to a network? No need to worry! Through this guide, you are going to learn how to fix DHCP Lookup Failed error in Chromebook.

What is a Chromebook? What is DHCP Lookup Failed error in Chromebook?

Chromebook is a new generation of computers that are designed to execute tasks in a manner that is quicker and easier than the existing computers. They run on Chrome Operating System that includes the finest features of Google along with cloud storage, and enhanced data protection.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, abbreviated as DHCP, is a mechanism for device configuration on the internet. It allocates IP addresses and allows default gateways to facilitate quick and smooth connections between various devices on the IP network. This error pops up while connecting to a network. It basically means that your device, in this case, Chromebook, is not able to retrieve any information related to IP addresses from the DHCP server.

How to Fix DHCP Lookup Failed Error in Chromebook

What causes DHCP Lookup Failed error in Chromebook?

There are not many known causes of this issue. However, some of them are:

• VPN – VPN masks your IP address and may cause this issue.
• Wi-Fi extenders – They generally don’t gel well with Chromebooks.
• Modem/Router Settings – This too, will cause connectivity problems and result in DHCP Lookup failed error.
• Outdated Chrome OS – Using an outdated version of any operating system is bound to create problems on the associated device.

Let’s get to fixing this error with the easiest and quickest methods explained below.

Method 1: Update Chrome OS

Updating your Chromebook from time to time is a great way to fix any errors related to Chrome OS. This would keep the operating system in tune with the latest software and will also prevent glitches and crashes. You can rectify Chrome OS-related issues by upgrading the firmware as:

1. To open the Notification menu, click on the Time icon from the bottom-right corner.

2. Now, click the gear icon to access Chromebook Settings.

3. From the left panel, select the option titled About Chrome OS.

4. Click the Check for updates button, as highlighted.

5. Restart the PC and see whether the DHCP lookup issue is resolved.

Method 2: Restart Chromebook and router

Restarting devices is an efficient way to fix minor errors, as it gives your device time to reset itself. Hence, in this method, we are going to restart both, router and Chromebook to possibly fix this issue. Just follow these simple steps:

1. First, turn off the Chromebook.

2.Turn off the modem/router and disconnect it from the power supply.

3. Wait a few seconds before you reconnect it to the power source.

4. Wait for the lights on the modem/router to stabilize.

5. Now, turn on the Chromebook and connect it to the Wi-Fi network.

Verify if the error DHCP lookup failed in Chromebook is fixed. If not, try the next solution.

Also Read: Fix DHCP is not enabled for WiFi in Windows 10

Method 3: Use Google Name Server or Automatic Name Server

The device will display the DHCP lookup error if it is unable to interact with the DHCP server or IP addresses on a DNS server. Therefore, you can use the Google Name server or Automatic Name Server to solve this problem. Let’s see how to do this:

Option 1: Using Google Name Server

1. Navigate to Chrome Network settings from the Notification menu as explained in Method 1.

2. Under Network settings, select the Wi-Fi option.

3. Click on the right arrow available next to the network to which you are unable to connect.

4. Scroll down to locate and select the Name server option.

5. Click the drop-down box and choose Google Name Servers from the given menu, as shown.

Check whether the issue has been rectified by reconnecting it to the Wi-Fi network.

Option 2: Using Automatic Name Server

1. If the DHCP lookup failed error persists even after utilizing Google Name Server, restart the Chromebook.

2. Now, proceed to the Network Settings page as you did earlier.

3. Scroll down to the Name Servers label. This time, choose Automatic Name Servers from the drop-down menu. Refer to pic given above for clarity.

4. Reconnect to the Wi-Fi- network and verify if the DHCP problem has been resolved.

Option 3: Using Manual Configuration

1. If using either server didn’t solve this problem, go to the Network Settings once again.

2. Here, toggle off the Configure IP address automatically option, as depicted.

3. Now, set the Chromebook IP address manually.

4. Restart the device and reconnect.

The DHCP lookup failed error in Chromebook error should be fixed by now.

Method 4: Reconnect to the Wi-fi network

Another easy method to fix DHCP lookup failed error in Chromebook is to disconnect it from your Wi-Fi network and reconnect it afterward.

Let’s see how you can do this:

1. Click the Wi-Fi symbol in the lower right corner of the Chromebook screen.

2. Select your Wi-Fi network name. Click on Settings.

3. In the Network Settings window, Disconnect the network.

4. Restart your Chromebook.

5. Finally, connect it to the same network and continue using the device as usual.

Move to the next method if this does not fix the DHCP lookup failed error in Chromebook.

Also Read: Fix Limited Access or No Connectivity WiFi on Windows 10

Method 5: Change Frequency Band of the Wi-Fi network

It is possible that your computer doesn’t support the Wi-Fi frequency that your router offers. However, you can change frequency settings manually to meet the frequency standards of the network, if your service provider supports this change. Let’s see how to do this:

1. Launch Chrome and navigate to the router website. Log in to your account.

2. Navigate to the Wireless Settings tab and select the Change Band option.

3. Choose 5GHz, if the default setting was 2.4GHz, or vice versa.

4. Lastly, save all changes and exit. 

5. Restart your Chromebook and connect to the network.

Check whether the DHCP issue is now rectified..

Method 6: Increase DHCP range of Network Address

We observed that removing certain devices from the wi-fi network or manually increasing the number of devices limit helped rectify this issue. Here’s how to do it:

1. In any web browser, navigate to your router website and log in with your credentials.

2. Proceed to the DHCP settings tab.

3. Expand the DHCP IP range.

For example, if the higher range is 192.168.1.250, expand it to 192.168.1.254, as shown.

4. Save the changes and exit the webpage.

If the error DHCP lookup failed still pops up, you could try any of the succeeding methods.

Method 7: Disable VPN to fix DHCP Lookup Failed error in Chromebook

If you use a proxy or a VPN to connect to the internet, it may cause conflict with the wireless network. Proxy and VPN have been known to cause DHCP lookup failed error in Chromebook on numerous occasions. You can turn it off temporarily to fix it.

1. Right-click on the VPN client.

2. Toggle off the VPN, as highlighted.

3. Alternatively, you can uninstall it, if it is no longer needed.

Also Read: Fix Site Can’t Be Reached, Server IP Could Not Be Found

Method 8: Connect without Wi-Fi Extender and/or Repeater

Wi-fi extenders or repeaters are great when it comes to extending the Wi-Fi connectivity range. However, these devices have also been known to cause certain errors like the DHCP lookup error. Therefore, make sure that you connect to Wi-Fi straight from the router.

Method 9: Use Chromebook Connectivity Diagnostics

If you can still connect to the DHCP server and are still getting the same error message, Chromebook comes with an in-built Connectivity Diagnostics tool that will assist you in diagnosing and resolving connectivity issues. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Search for diagnostics in the Start Menu.

2. Click on the Chromebook Connectivity Diagnostics from the search results.

3. Click the Run Diagnostics link to start running the tests.

4. The app performs the following tests one by one:

• Captive portal
• DNS
• Firewall
• Google Services
• Local network

5. Allow the tool to diagnose the issue. The connection diagnostics tool will perform a variety of tests and rectify issues if any.

Method 10: Remove all Preferred Networks

Chromebook OS, like any other operating system, retains network credentials to allow you to connect to the same network without entering the password every time to do so. As we connect to more Wi-Fi networks, Chromebook keeps storing more & more passwords. It also creates a list of preferred networks depending on past connections and data usage. This causes network stuffing. Hence, it is advisable to remove these saved preferred networks and check if the issue persists. Follow the steps given below to do the same:

1. Go to the Status Area on your screen and click the Network Icon then select Settings.

2. Within the Internet Connection option, you will find a Wi-Fi network. Click on it.

3. Then, select Preferred Networks. A complete list of all saved networks will be shown here.

4. When you hover over the names of the network, you will see an X mark. Click on it to remove the preferred network. 

6. Repeat this process to delete each Preferred Network individually.

7. Once the list is cleared, connect to the desired Wi-Fi network by verifying the password.

This should solve the DHCP lookup failed issue. If it doesn’t, proceed to the next solution.

Method 11: Reset the Router to fix DHCP Lookup Failed error in Chromebook

The DHCP problem might be caused by corrupt firmware on your router/modem. In such cases, you can always reset the router by pressing the reset button of the router. This restores the router to default settings and might fix the DHCP lookup failed in Chromebook error. Let’s see how to do it:

1. Turn on your router/modem 

2. Locate the Reset button. It is a tiny button located on the backside or right-hand side of the router and looks like this:

3. Now, press the reset button with a paper pin/safety pin. 

4. Wait for the router to reset completely for approximately 30 seconds.

5. Finally, turn on the router and reconnect Chromebook.

Now check if you’re able to fix DHCP lookup failed error in Chromebook. 

Method 12: Contact Chromebook Customer Support

If you have tried all of the methods listed above and are still unable to resolve the lookup problem, you should contact official customer support. You can also receive more information from the Chromebook Help center.

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We hope you were able to fix the DHCP lookup failed error on Chromebook. Let us know which method worked for you the best. Have any queries/suggestions? Drop them in the comment section below.